From the Research
Doxycycline is not considered an effective primary treatment for keloids. While doxycycline has anti-inflammatory properties that might theoretically help with some aspects of keloid formation, there is insufficient clinical evidence supporting its use specifically for keloid treatment 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. The standard treatments for keloids include:
- Corticosteroid injections (typically triamcinolone 10-40 mg/ml injected directly into the keloid every 4-6 weeks)
- Silicone gel sheets applied daily for at least 12 hours
- Pressure therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Laser therapy
- Surgical excision (often combined with other treatments to prevent recurrence)
- Radiation therapy for severe cases Doxycycline may occasionally be prescribed for infected keloids, but this addresses only the infection, not the keloid itself. The pathophysiology of keloids involves abnormal wound healing with excessive collagen production and decreased collagen breakdown, processes that are not directly targeted by antibiotics like doxycycline 3. If you're dealing with keloids, consult a dermatologist who can recommend appropriate treatment options based on the size, location, and characteristics of your specific keloid.
Recent studies have shown that combination therapies, such as surgical excision followed by intralesional injections of triamcinolone and other agents, can be effective in treating keloids 3, 5. However, doxycycline is not a recommended treatment for keloids, and its use should be limited to cases where there is a clear indication for antibiotic therapy, such as infection.
In terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, the most effective treatment for keloids is often a combination of surgical excision and adjuvant therapies, such as intralesional injections and radiation therapy 2, 3. These treatments can help reduce the size and symptoms of keloids, improve appearance, and prevent recurrence. Doxycycline, on the other hand, is not a recommended treatment for keloids and should not be used as a primary treatment for this condition.